The Independent View: FCC Approves Internet Subsidy Program Providing $50 Credits to Low-Income Families

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Approved Guidelines, Thursday, for a New Internet Subsidy Program that would provide Low-Income Families with Funds for their Internet Bills during the Pandemic.

Under the FCC's Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, Low-Income Families who Qualify can receive a $50 Monthly Credit toward their Internet Bills through their Internet Provider.

Families that Live on Tribal Lands will be able to Receive $75 per month Credit, and Eligible Families will also be given a One-Time $100 Discount on a Tablet or Computer.

Congress approved $3.2 Billion for the Federal Initiative in a Relief Bill Passed last year.

"This is a program that will help those at risk of digital disconnection," FCC Acting Chairwoman, Jessica Rosenworcel (D) said in a Statement. "It will help those sitting in cars in parking lots just to catch a Wi-Fi signal to go online for work. It will help those lingering outside the library with a laptop just to get a wireless signal for remote learning. It will help those who worry about choosing between paying a broadband bill and paying rent or buying groceries."

Lawmakers pushed for the Subsidies to Help low-Income Families pay for their Internet Bills after many Families and Students were Forced to start Working or Learning Remotely from Home during the Pandemic.

Eligible Families include those who are currently: On Medicaid; Received a Pell Grant; Use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits, or have Lost Employment due to the Pandemic.

Prior to the Implementation of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, Low-Income Households were provided $9.25 a Month in Federal Subsidy for Broadband through the FCC's Lifeline Program.

To Qualify for the Lifeline Program by participating in a Qualifying Assistance Program: Medicaid; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Supplemental Security Income (SSI); Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA); Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit; or by having an Income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Residents of Tribal Lands can also Qualify for the Lifeline Program by meeting the aforementioned Criteria or by Participating in a Qualifying Tribal-Specific Federal Assistance Program.

The Lifeline Program is Administered by The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which OIperates the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier, National Verifier, and National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) to make Eligibility Determinations, Prevent Duplication, and Record Enrollment in the Program.

In the Lifeline Program, Service Providers use the NLAD to Enroll Households that have Qualified for Lifeline through the National Verifier, creating a Record that forms the Basis of Providers’ Claims for Reimbursement.